As we are just a week out from Thanksgiving Day, lots of thoughts and activities have been cropping up about giving thanks and expressing gratitude.

Honestly, I get a little tired of the pseudo-gratitude shown in various TV commercials, Internet pop-up ads and the junk mail delivered almost daily. Plus, I don’t need reminding that there are only something like 39 days left to do my Christmas shopping. I’m thinking of not shopping at all for Christmas gifts, but still giving.

I’ve received several emails telling me about a new attitude in gift-giving this season.

Folks are looking to provide a gift that is a service instead of a package of something-or-other all wrapped up pretty. I like the idea of giving a service. For example, offer to mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn every week for a year. Grocery shop for friends who are house-bound. Volunteer to baby-sit for free one night a month for a couple who needs an evening out for themselves. The possibilities are as numerous as your imagination.

When our nieces and nephews were younger we enjoyed giving the gift of time. Taking them to a movie and hamburgers after was a lot of fun. Giving the gift of yourself need not be costly in dollars and cents, all it takes is your time.

DECORATING

I was pleasantly surprised to receive an e-mail message from the Nordstrom public relations department following my last column. A woman wrote in thanks for my mentioning the fact that the store will not decorate for Christmas too early, but wait until the day after Thanksgiving. I did have a wee error, though, saying they will decorate on the wrong date. The day for Nordstrom to have their Christmas displays up will be Nov. 25, often known as the busiest shopping day of the year.

Even if I stick to a pledge not to buy much, I’ll head to the Arcadia Nordstrom just to see the decorations. It’s the least I can do since they’re waiting for me!

GRATITUDE

Another huge pang of gratitude hit me as I drove east along Huntington Drive last week. Have you noticed the turning colors in the gorgeous trees along the meridian strip between, roughly, Shamrock and Myrtle? Actually, the trees go all the way past Myrtle, but they are most vibrant just east of there. Remarkable colors this year, so thank you Mother Nature for reminding me of the simple beauties to be seen just by paying attention.

Gratitude must be expressed for two of our town’s better known leaders. City Manager Scott Ochoa will head to Glendale after the first of the year to take the helm as their new city manager.

Scott follows Jim Starbird into the role. Jim is a former Monrovia City Manager who will retire after 40 some years in public administration.

When Scott was appointed to the top Monrovia post, I was a bit skeptical because of his young age. I mean, egads, he was younger than I! Could he possibly have a brain in his head? Turns out he did and he led the Council and residents through a real roller coaster ride of highs and lows, and many successes. Congratulations, Scott. Take good care of my hometown.

Hint: when the Days of the Verdugo festivities are held next fall, you’ll want to go to the carnival.

Just trust me on that one!

Thanks also must be expressed to Joan Whitenack for her role as executive director of Foothill Unity Center. Joan worked hard for 16 years in providing for needy families in Monrovia and the region. She has earned the retirement, at age 70, to enjoy her family and grandkids. I know Joan will be around to volunteer and advise as needed, but FUCI is stronger for her management and she deserves our gratitude.

I know Mayor Mary Ann Lutz and most local business leaders are grateful and proud to know that Monrovia is now known as the most Business Friendly City of its size in the region. Bravo, business leaders.

DODGERS

I, for one, am happy to know that Peter O’Malley might have an interest in buying the Dodgers back, or at least putting together a team of likely owners who can bring pride back to our team and its fans. I like this foursome: O’Malley, Peter Ueberroth, Steve Garvey and Orel Hershiser.

And what about Vin Scully? Could he retire happily and own a piece of the Dodgers?

With their known leadership, the fans would return to Chavez Ravine, even if we couldn’t afford to buy more expensive players. Whomever the new owners turn out to be, just pay Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw big bucks and I shall be forever grateful.

THANK YOU

There are all sorts of reasons for being thankful, and I am sure you will have some of your own.

The important part of Thanksgiving is not just stuffing yourself and the turkey, but remembering to tell others about your gratitude and appreciation for their friendship and love.

And if you happen to write an occasional news column, tell your readers you’re thankful for their loyalty and words of encouragement. It’s you, Dear Readers, who make me give thanks for every chance I get to write again.